Neighbours described their horror after an "explosion" rocked a housing estate in the Huyton area.
Residents said they felt their "house shake" and "didn't feel safe in their own homes" after the incident in Pennard Avenue this afternoon. According to reports, a boy came rushing out of a terraced property covered in blood while an elderly woman who lived in the same house fainted.
Police confirmed a 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries to his head and body after a firework was set alight at around 2.45pm. Officers from Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) have launched an investigation.
READ MORE : Dad in court for offering daughter £5k amid cost of living crisis
One man, whose garden backs onto the property, said his children had just come inside when he heard what he called "a tremendous bang." He added: "The whole house shook and when we went outside, everyone who lived in the house where the explosion took place had rushed out into the street and were screaming. They were hysterical. I've never heard screams like it.
"One of the children who live there had blood pouring from his face while a woman fainted." According to one resident, the explosion took place in the kitchen of the house, although police said the 12-year-old was injured in the head and body from a firework in the garden of the property.
This afternoon the close where the incident took place was cordoned off by police. Ambulance attended and took the child to hospital for treatment. Paramedics also treated a person who had fainted.
Chief Inspector Gary O'Rourke said: "Enquiries are in the very early stages to establish the circumstances into how the 12-year-old boy was injured by a firework.
"A full enquiry by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is taking place to establish the facts."
Anyone in the area with information, CCTV or dashcam can contact police on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' with reference 562 of 25 September.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form here.
READ NEXT :
Lawyer's descent into crack cocaine addiction cost him job and wife
Teenager injured in 'violent attack' by gang of youths
Mum who was 'life and soul of the party' dies days after returning from holiday
Primary school teacher who sexually abused young girls brought to justice 'yet again'
The 'forgotten' town that is about to make national headlines
